Editorial: Birmingham Crime Commission Report [Video]

THE BIRMINGHAM CRIME COMMISSION’S 66- PAGE REPORT OUTLINES STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE CITY’S RECORD 151 HOMICIDES LAST YEAR. IT EMPHASIZES FAMILIAR ACTIONS SUCH AS INCREASING POLICE HIRES, REMOVING GLOCK SWITCHES FROM THE STREETS, IMPROVING LIGHTING AND SURVEILLANCE, AND TARGETING HIGH- RISK INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS. HOWEVER, IT STRESSES ADDRESSING SYSTEMIC ISSUES THROUGH COMMUNITY-WIDE SUPPORT, INCLUDING VIOLENCE INTERVENTION, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, JOB TRAINING, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND YOUTH ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MENTORSHIP AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. THE REPORT ALSO HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR ROBUST JUVENILE AND ADULT RE-ENTRY PROGRAMS. SUCCESS REQUIRES CITY LEADERS TO MAINTAIN TRANSPARENCY AND COLLABORATION TOWARDS TRANSFORMING BIRMINGHAM INTO A RESILIENT AND UNIFIED COMMUNITY. YOU MAY NOT LIVE IN THE CITY BUT WHEN SOMEONE ASKS WHERE YOU ARE FROM, YOU LIKELY SAY BIRMINGHAM. IT WILL TAKE ALL OF US TO STOP THE VIOLENCE.